Projection method, projector, and program

Abstract

To provide a projection method, a projector, and a program that improve user convenience.SOLUTION: A projection method includes determining whether a first projector 200A is communicatively connected to a second projector 200B by a second processor 290A included in the first projector 200A, and, if the first projector 200A is communicatively connected to the second projector 200B, projecting, by the first projector 200A, a stacking guide image 50 that guides the operation of superimposing at least part of a first projected image 20 and a second projected image 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection method, a projector, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, stacking projection and tiling projection techniques have been known, in which multiple projectors are used to project an image onto a projection surface. With tiling projection and stacking projection, the user must operate an operation unit or the like to make multiple settings, which is a time-consuming task.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an image display device that has an operation menu including top-level menu items, middle-level menu items, and bottom-level menu items, and displays the most appropriate menu item from among these menu items based on the operation received by the operation unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133237 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the case of the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user must perform an operation to display menu items corresponding to tiling projection or stacking projection, and there is room for reducing the burden on the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The projection method disclosed herein is a projection method for a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, and includes determining, by one or more processors provided in the projector, whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, and, when the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, projecting by the projector a guide image that guides the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projection image with the other projected image.

[0007] The projector disclosed herein is a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, and is equipped with a communication interface that communicates with the other projector, a projection unit that projects the projection image, and one or more processors that determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, wherein the one or more processors determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, and when the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, projects a guide image by the projection unit that guides the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projection image with the other projected image.

[0008] The program disclosed herein is a program to be executed by one or more processors mounted on a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, and causes the one or more processors to determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, and, when the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, to project a guide image that guides the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projection image with the other projected image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a projection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first projector. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stacking guide image displayed on a projection surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a tiling guide image displayed on a projection surface. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of a stacking guide image. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of a tiling guide image. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first instruction image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first instruction image. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a first projected image and a second projected image after correction using a quick corner. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second instruction image. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the projection surface after the second adjustment step is completed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first instruction image. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second instruction image. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second instruction image. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second instruction image. [Figure 18] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first projector. [Figure 19] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first projector. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the first instruction image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [1. Projection system configuration] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a projection system 1. As shown in FIG. The projection system 1 includes an information processing device 100 and a projector 200. The information processing device 100 operates as an image supply device that supplies image data to the projector 200. The projector 200 is a projection device that generates image light based on the image data supplied from the information processing device 100 and projects the generated image light onto a projection surface 10.

[0011] 1 shows a case where the projection system 1 includes two projectors 200, a first projector 200A and a second projector 200B, but the number of projectors 200 included in the projection system 1 is not limited to two and may be three or more. The first projector 200A corresponds to a projector, and the second projector 200B corresponds to another projector.

[0012] The information processing device 100 and the first projector 200A are connected by a data communication line 3, and the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are also connected by the data communication line 3. For example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, or an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is used as the data communication line 3. USB and HDMI are registered trademarks.

[0013] The projection system 1 of this embodiment is a system that realizes stacking projection or tiling projection by means of a first projector 200A and a second projector 200B. Stacking projection is a projection method in which a first projected image 20 projected by a first projector 200A and a second projected image 30 projected by a second projector 200B are overlapped and projected. Tiling projection is a projection method in which the first projected image 20 and the second projected image 30 are partially overlapped and arranged in a vertical or horizontal line to display a single large-screen image. The first projected image 20 corresponds to a projected image, and the second projected image 30 corresponds to another projected image.

[0014] [2. Configuration of information processing device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 100 includes a first communication interface 110, an operation unit 120, a display unit 130, and a first control unit 150. Hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0015] The first communication I / F 110 includes a connector to which the data communication line 3 is connected, and an interface circuit that transmits and receives data such as image data and control data via the data communication line 3.

[0016] The operation unit 120 includes operation devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and accepts operations from the user.

[0017] The display unit 130 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, and displays an image on the display panel under the control of the first control unit 150.

[0018] The first control unit 150 is a computer device including a first storage unit 151 and a first processor 155 .

[0019] The first storage unit 151 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The first storage unit 151 may also include an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0020] The first storage unit 151 stores an OS (Operating System) executed by the first processor 155, and a control program 153 such as an application program.

[0021] The first processor 155 is an arithmetic processing device configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first processor 155 may be configured with a single processor, or may be configured with multiple processors.

[0022] [3. Projector configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first projector 200A. The first projector 200A and the second projector 200B have substantially the same configuration, so the following will describe the configuration of the first projector 200A, and will omit a description of the configuration of the second projector 200B.

[0023] The first projector 200A includes a second communication I / F 210A, a light receiving unit 221A, an operation unit 223A, an image processing unit 230A, a frame memory 235A, a projection unit 240A, a camera 250A, and a second control unit 270A.

[0024] The second communication I / F 210A includes a connector to which the data communication line 3 is connected, and an interface circuit that transmits and receives data such as image data and control data via the data communication line 3. The second communication I / F 210A is connected to the data communication line 3 that is connected to the information processing device 100 and the data communication line 3 that is connected to the second projector 200B.

[0025] The second communication I / F 210A includes a connection detection circuit 215A. The connection detection circuit 215A detects the connection of the data communication line 3 to the connector. For example, the connection detection circuit 215A detects the connection of a LAN (Local Area Network) cable to a LAN connector. When a LAN cable is connected to the LAN connector of the first projector 200A and this LAN cable is then connected to the LAN connector of the second projector 200B, the connection detection circuit 215A detects the connection of the LAN cable. Furthermore, the connection detection circuit 215A detects the connection of a USB cable to a USB connector. When a USB cable is connected to the USB connector of the first projector 200A and this USB cable is then connected to the USB connector of the second projector 200B, the voltage of a predetermined signal line among the multiple signal lines included in the USB cable changes. The connection detection circuit 215A detects the change in voltage of this predetermined signal line and detects the connection of the USB cable to the USB connector. The connection detection circuit 215A may use, for example, a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) method to detect whether the LAN cable or the USB cable 109 is in a state where it can transmit signals. When the connection detection circuit 215A detects the connection of the data communication line 3, the second communication I / F 210A outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 270A.

[0026] The light receiving unit 221A receives an infrared signal transmitted by the remote control 5. The light receiving unit 221A outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received infrared signal to the second control unit 270A. The operation signal is a signal corresponding to an operated switch on the remote control 5. The remote control 5 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, etc. The infrared signal corresponds to an example of an operation signal. Furthermore, the remote control 5 corresponds to an example of an operation device.

[0027] The operation unit 223A is a receiving unit that receives operations from the user. The operation unit 223A is provided on the main body of the first projector 200A. The operation unit 223A is provided with, for example, a power button, a cross key, an enter button, and the like.

[0028] A frame memory 235A is connected to the image processing unit 230A. The frame memory 235A has a plurality of banks. Each bank has a storage capacity capable of writing image data for one frame. The frame memory 235A is configured, for example, with an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM). The image processing unit 230A expands the image data input from the second communication I / F 210A in the frame memory 235A.

[0029] The image processing unit 230A performs image processing on the image data stored in the frame memory 235A. Examples of image processing performed by the image processing unit 230A include resolution conversion or resizing, distortion correction, shape correction, digital zooming, and adjustment of image color and brightness. The image processing unit 230A executes processing specified by the second control unit 270A, and, if necessary, performs processing using parameters input from the second control unit 270A. Of course, the image processing unit 230A can also execute a combination of multiple image processes described above. Upon completing image processing, the image processing unit 230A reads out the image data stored in the frame memory 235A and outputs the read image data to a panel driver of the light modulation device 243A. The panel driver is not shown.

[0030] The image processing unit 230A and the frame memory 235A are configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. Examples of the integrated circuit include a large scale integration (LSI), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a system on a chip (SoC). An analog circuit may be included as part of the integrated circuit configuration, or the second control unit 270A may be configured in combination with an integrated circuit.

[0031] The projection section 240A includes a light source 241A, a light modulation device 243A, and an optical unit 247A. The light source 241A includes a discharge light source lamp such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp, or a solid-state light source such as a light-emitting diode or a semiconductor laser. The light emitted from the light source 241A is separated into red, green, and blue color lights by a color separation optical system (not shown).

[0032] The light modulation device 243A includes three liquid crystal panels 245(R)A, 245(G)A, and 245(B)A corresponding to the red, green, and blue color components. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal panels 245(R)A, 245(G)A, and 245(B)A will be collectively referred to as liquid crystal panel 245A. The color light separated into the red, green, and blue color components by the color separation optical system is incident on the liquid crystal panels 245(R)A, 245(G)A, and 245(B)A, respectively.

[0033] The liquid crystal panels 245(R)A, 245(G)A, and 245(B)A are each composed of a transmissive liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates. The liquid crystal panel 245A has a pixel region made up of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a drive voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal for each pixel.

[0034] The light modulation device 243 includes a panel driver that drives the liquid crystal panels 245(R)A, 245(G)A, and 245(B)A. The panel driver applies a drive voltage corresponding to image data input from the image processor 230A to each pixel in the pixel region, setting each pixel to a light transmittance corresponding to the image data. Light emitted from the light source 241A is modulated for each pixel by passing through the pixel region of the liquid crystal panel 245A, and image light corresponding to the image data is formed for each color light. The formed image light of each color is combined for each pixel by a color combining optical system (not shown) to become image light representing a color image. The optical unit 247A includes a projection lens and the like, and enlarges and projects the image light modulated by the liquid crystal panel 245A onto the projection surface 10. As a result, a projected image based on the image data is displayed on the projection surface 10.

[0035] Camera 250A includes an imaging element (not shown), such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. Camera 250A repeatedly captures images of projection surface 10 under the control of second control unit 270A, and sequentially outputs the captured images, which are the imaging results, to second control unit 270A.

[0036] The second control unit 270A is a computer device including a second storage unit 280A and a second processor 290A.

[0037] The second storage unit 280A includes a volatile memory such as a RAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. The RAM is used to temporarily store data processed by the second processor 290A, and the ROM stores a control program 285A for controlling the operation of the first projector 200A and various setting data.

[0038] The second processor 290A is an arithmetic processing device configured with a CPU, an MPU, or the like. The second processor 290A executes the control program 285A to control each unit of the first projector 200A. The second processor 290A may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The second processor 290A may also be configured with an SoC integrated with part or all of the second storage unit 280A or other circuits. The second processor 290A may also be configured with a combination of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. Furthermore, all of the functions of the second processor 290A may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device. The second processor 290A corresponds to an example of one or more processors.

[0039] [4. Operation of the first projector and the second projector] The following describes operations when stacking projection or stacking projection is performed using the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B. First, the user installs the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B. At this time, the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are installed so that the entire first projected image 20 projected by the first projector 200A and the entire second projected image 30 projected by the second projector 200B are displayed within the projection surface 10.

[0040] Next, the user performs network settings for the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B. The user operates the operation units 223A and 223B of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B or the remote control 5 to display an OSD (On-Screen Display) screen on the projection surface 10, and sets the IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B.

[0041] Next, the user connects the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B with the data communication line 3. The user connects the data communication line 3 to the connector of the second communication I / F 210A and the connector of the second communication I / F 210B.

[0042] When the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are connected via the data communication line 3, the connection detection circuit 215A of the second communication I / F 210A detects the connection of the data communication line 3 to the connector, and the second communication I / F 210A outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 270A.

[0043] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a selection image 40. The selection image 40 corresponds to an example of a guide image and a first guide image. When a detection signal is input from the second communication I / F 210A, the second control unit 270A displays a selection image 40 that accepts the selection of an operation mode on the projection surface 10. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the first projector 200A displays the selection image 40, as well as a stacking guide image 50 and a tiling guide image 60, which will be described later, on the projection surface 10. However, a configuration in which the second projector 200B displays the selection image 40, the stacking guide image 50 and the tiling guide image 60 on the projection surface 10 may also be used.

[0044] Selection image 40 displays the text "Stacking projection mode," a radio button 41 associated with this text, and the text "Tiling projection mode," a radio button 43 associated with this text. Radio button 41 corresponds to an example of a first option image, and radio button 43 corresponds to an example of a second option image. As long as the user can select either stacking projection mode or tiling projection mode from selection image 40, the design of selection image 40 may be changed in any way.

[0045] The user operates, for example, the cross key on the remote control 5 to select either radio button 41 or 43. To select stacking projection mode, the user selects radio button 41, and to select tiling mode, the user selects radio button 43. After selecting either radio button 41 or 43, the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5. When the enter button is pressed, the second control unit 270A displays a stacking guide image 50 or a tiling guide image 60 on the projection surface 10. When radio button 41 is selected, the second control unit 270A displays the stacking guide image 50 shown in FIG. 5 on the projection surface 10, and when radio button 43 is selected, the second control unit 270A displays the tiling guide image 60 shown in FIG. 6 on the projection surface 10. The stacking guide image 50 corresponds to an example of a guide image and a second guide image. The tiling guide image 60 corresponds to an example of a guide image and a third guide image.

[0046] The first projected image 20 projected by the first projector 200A is shown by a dashed line in Fig. 4. The second projected image 30 projected by the second projector 200B is shown by a dashed line in Fig. 4. The first projected image 20 shown in Fig. 4 includes a selected image 40, and is an image on which a graphic 21 indicating the edge of the first projected image 20 is displayed. The second projected image 30 shown in Fig. 4 is an image on which a graphic 31 indicating the edge of the second projected image 30 is displayed.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the stacking guide image 50 in detail. First, the operation when radio button 41 is selected in selection image 40 and stacking projection mode is selected as the operating mode will be described. Stacking projection mode is an operating mode in which images projected by multiple projectors 200 are superimposed to project a single image. Stacking guide image 50 displays multiple adjustment steps for achieving stacking projection using multiple projectors 200 in the order in which these adjustment steps are to be performed. In stacking guide image 50 shown in FIG. 7, a first adjustment step 51, a second adjustment step 53, and a third adjustment step 55 are displayed in this order from left to right in the drawing. The first adjustment step 51, the second adjustment step 53, and the third adjustment step 55 are all button images that can be selected by the user.

[0048] Furthermore, the stacking guide image 50 displays an operation frame 57 indicated by a dashed line and a device display image 59 indicating the projectors 200 that can be operated by the remote control 5. The device display image 59 corresponds to an example of an identification image. When the device display image 59 displays the first projector 200A, the first projector 200A can be operated by the remote control 5, and when the device display image 59 displays the second projector 200B, the second projector 200B can be operated by the remote control 5.

[0049] The infrared signal transmitted by the remote control 5 is received by the first projector 200A and processed by the second control unit 270A. When the device display image 59 displays the first projector 200A, the second control unit 270A processes the operation signal input from the light receiving unit 221A as is. When the device display image 59 displays the second projector 200B, the second control unit 270A transmits the operation signal input from the light receiving unit 221A to the second projector 200B.

[0050] The operation frame 57 is a frame-shaped image that allows the user to select one of the first adjustment step 51, the second adjustment step 53, and the third adjustment step 55 displayed on the stacking guide image 50. The user operates the cross key of the remote control 5 to select the first adjustment step 51 using the operation frame 57, and then presses the enter button provided on the remote control 5. When the second control unit 270A receives the operation of pressing the enter button, it displays a first instruction image 511 on the projection surface 10.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the tiling guide image 60 in detail. The tiling guide image 60 displays a plurality of adjustment steps for achieving tiling projection using a plurality of projectors 200 in the order in which these adjustment steps are to be performed. In the tiling guide image 60 shown in FIG. 8, a first adjustment step 61, a second adjustment step 63, and a third adjustment step 65 are displayed in this order from left to right in the drawing. The first adjustment step 61, the second adjustment step 63, and the third adjustment step 65 are all button images that can be selected by the user. The tiling guide image 60 also displays an operation frame 67 and a device display image 69. The device display image 69 corresponds to an example of an identification image.

[0052] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing first instruction image 511A, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing first instruction image 511B. Hereinafter, first instruction image 511A and first instruction image 511B will be collectively referred to as first instruction image 511. The first instruction image 511A and the first instruction image 511B are images showing details of the first adjustment step 51. The first instruction image 511B is displayed when the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5 after performing the adjustment content indicated by the first instruction image 511A. The first instruction image 511A displays text indicating an adjustment method for adjusting at least one of the position and shape of the first projection image 20 projected by the first projector 200A. The first instruction image 511B displays text indicating an adjustment method for adjusting at least one of the position and shape of the second projection image 30 projected by the second projector 200B.

[0053] A device display image 59 is also displayed in the first instruction image 511A and the first instruction image 511B. The first instruction image 511A indicates that the first projector 200A is the device to be operated by the remote control 5, and the first instruction image 511B indicates that the second projector 200B is the device to be operated by the remote control 5. The first instruction image 511A shown in FIG. 9 displays a device display image 59 indicating that the device to be operated by the remote control 5 is the first projector 200A. Furthermore, the first instruction image 511B shown in FIG. 10 displays a device display image 59 indicating that the device to be operated by the remote control 5 is the second projector 200B.

[0054] The user uses the quick corner in accordance with the adjustment method displayed in the first instruction image 511A to correct the shape of the first projection image 20 projected by the first projector 200A to a rectangle. After correcting the shape of the first projection image 20, the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5 to display the first instruction image 511B. Next, the user uses the quick corner in accordance with the adjustment method displayed in the first instruction image 511B to correct the shape of the first projection image 20 projected by the second projector 200B to a rectangle.

[0055] 11 is a diagram showing the first projected image 20 and the second projected image 30 before correction by quick corner correction. Quick corner correction is an operation in which a corner to be corrected is selected by operating the remote control 5 from among the four corners of the first projected image 20 or the second projected image 30, and the selected corner is moved by operating the cross key of the remote control 5. The second control unit 270A moves the corner of the first projected image 20 drawn on the liquid crystal panel 245A in the direction corresponding to the pressed cross key. The second control unit 270A continues this process while the cross key is pressed.

[0056] 7, operates the cross key on the remote control 5 to select the second adjustment step 53 using the operation frame 57, and presses the enter button on the remote control 5. When the second control unit 270A receives the operation of pressing the enter button, it displays a second instruction image 531 on the projection surface 10.

[0057] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the second instruction image 531. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the projection surface 10 after the second adjustment step 53 is completed. The second instruction image 531 is an image showing details of the second adjustment step 53. The second instruction image 531 also displays text showing an adjustment method for adjusting at least one of the position and shape of the second projection image 30 projected by the second projector 200B. The second instruction image 531 also displays a device display image 59. The device display image 59 displayed on the second instruction image 531 indicates that the projector 200 to be operated by the remote control 5 is the second projector 200B.

[0058] The second instruction image 531 displays, as an adjustment content, for example, text instructing the user to operate the second projector 200B so that the second projected image 30 is displayed within the first projected image 20. Following the second instruction image 531, the user moves the bodies of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B, or operates the remote control 5 to optically zoom or shift the lens of the second projector 200B, thereby adjusting so that the second projected image 30 is displayed within the first projected image 20. As a result, the second projected image 30 is adjusted to be displayed within the first projected image 20, as shown in FIG. 13 .

[0059] 7, operates the cross key of the remote control 5 to select the third adjustment step 55 using the operation frame 57, and presses the enter button provided on the remote control 5. Upon receiving the operation of pressing the enter button, the second control unit 270A executes the third adjustment step 55.

[0060] The third adjustment process 55 is a process that is automatically executed by the first projector 200A or the second projector 200B. For example, the second projector 200B captures an image of the projection surface 10 using the camera 250B, changes the display position and size of the second projected image based on the captured image, and superimposes the second projected image 30 on the first projected image 20.

[0061] Next, we will explain the operation when radio button 43 is selected on selection image 40 and tiling projection mode is selected as the operating mode. Tiling projection mode is an operating mode in which the edges of the projection images projected by multiple projectors 200 are arranged to overlap each other, and a large, continuous image is displayed from the multiple projection images.

[0062] 8 is displayed on the projection surface 10, the user operates the cross key of the remote control 5 to select the first adjustment step 61 using the operation frame 67, and presses the enter button provided on the remote control 5. When the second control unit 270A receives the operation of pressing the enter button, it displays a first instruction image 611 on the projection surface 10.

[0063] The first pointing image 611 includes a first pointing image 611A, a first pointing image 511B, and a first pointing image 611C shown in Fig. 14. The first pointing image 611A is the same as the first pointing image 511A shown in Fig. 9, and the first pointing image 511B is the same as the first pointing image 511B shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, a description of the first pointing image 611A and the first pointing image 611B will be omitted. The first pointing image 611 corresponds to an example of a third pointing image.

[0064] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing first instruction image 611C. For example, the first instruction image 611C displays text such as, "Adjust the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B so that the first projected image 20 and the second projected image 30 are in contact with each other and no gaps are formed." Following the first instruction image 611C, the user adjusts the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B by moving the main bodies of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B or by operating the remote control 5 to shift the lenses of the first projectors 200A and 200B. Then, the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5. The first instruction image 611C also displays a device display image 69. The first instruction image 611C shown in FIG. 14 displays a device display image 69 indicating that the target of operation by the remote control 5 is the second projector 200B.

[0065] 8, operates the cross key on the remote control 5 to select the second adjustment step 63 using the operation frame 67, and presses the enter button on the remote control 5. Upon receiving the operation of pressing the enter button, the second control unit 270A displays a second instruction image 631 on the projection surface 10.

[0066] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a second instruction image 631A, Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second instruction image 631B, and Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a second instruction image 631C. The second instruction images 631A, 631B, and 631C correspond to examples of a fourth instruction image. Second instruction image 631A, second instruction image 631B, and second instruction image 631C are images showing details of second adjustment step 63. Second instruction image 631B is displayed when the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5 after performing the adjustment content shown in second instruction image 631A. Second instruction image 631C is displayed when the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5 after performing the adjustment content shown in second instruction image 631B. The device display image 69 is also displayed on the second instruction image 631A, the second instruction image 631B, and the second instruction image 631C. The device display image 69 displayed on the second instruction image 631A, the second instruction image 631B, and the second instruction image 631C indicates that the projector 200 to be operated by the remote control 5 is the first projector 200A.

[0067] The second instruction image 631A displays a first setting image 640 for accepting the setting of the screen configuration. The screen configuration refers to the configuration of a screen made up of projected images from multiple units. Screen configurations include, for example, a 1x2 configuration in which two projected images are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the projected images, and a 4x4 configuration in which four projected images are arranged in a matrix. The first setting image 640 includes a vertical number setting field 641 for setting the number of projected images to be arranged vertically in the tiling projection, and a horizontal number setting field 643 for setting the number of projected images to be arranged horizontally in the tiling projection.

[0068] The first setting image 640 displays an operation frame 645 that indicates whether the target of operation by the remote control 5 is the vertical number setting field 641 or the horizontal number setting field 643. The user operates the cross key of the remote control 5 to move the operation frame 645 to the vertical number setting field 641 or the horizontal number setting field 643. The user then sets the number of devices in the vertical number setting field 641 or horizontal number setting field 643 selected by the operation frame 645 using the remote control 5. When setting of the vertical number setting field 641 and the horizontal number setting field 643 is completed, the user presses the enter button provided on the remote control 5.

[0069] When second control unit 270A receives an operation of the enter button, second control unit 270A causes second instruction image 631B shown in FIG. Second instruction image 631B displays second setting image 650 for accepting layout setting, and screen configuration image 660. Screen configuration image 660 is an image corresponding to the screen configuration selected in second instruction image 631A. Fig. 16 shows screen configuration image 660 with one row and two columns.

[0070] Additionally, the screen configuration image 660 displays identification characters that identify each divided area of ​​the screen configuration image 660. For example, if the screen configuration is two monitors vertically and two monitors horizontally, the character "1" is displayed on the first line and the character "2" is displayed on the second line. Additionally, the character "A" is displayed on the first column and the character "B" is displayed on the second column.

[0071] In the second setting image 650, a target setting field 651 for selecting the projector 200 to be set, a vertical order setting field 653, a horizontal order setting field 655, and an operation frame 657 are displayed.

[0072] The vertical order setting field 653 sets the arrangement of the projection images projected by the projector 200 selected in the target setting field 651. For example, when the first projection image 20 projected by the first projector 200A is to be projected on the left side as viewed from the projection surface 10, "1" is set in the vertical order setting field 653 and "A" is set in the horizontal order setting field 655. When the second projection image 30 projected by the second projector 200B is to be projected on the right side as viewed from the projection surface 10, "1" is set in the vertical order setting field 653 and "B" is set in the horizontal order setting field 655. When the user has finished setting the vertical order setting field 653 and the horizontal order setting field 655, he or she presses the enter button provided on the remote control 5.

[0073] When second control unit 270A receives an operation of the enter button, second control unit 270A causes second instruction image 631C shown in FIG. The second instruction image 631C displays a third setting screen 670. The third setting screen 670 includes a target setting field 671 for selecting the projector 200 to be set, a blend start position setting 673, a blend range setting 675, and an operation frame 677.

[0074] The blend start position setting 673 is a setting field for setting the start position at which blending processing begins. For example, assume that the first projected image 20 is displayed on the left side as viewed from the projection surface 10, and the second projected image 30 is displayed on the right side as viewed from the projection surface 10. The blend start position setting 673 specifies the start position at which blending processing begins based on the distance from the right edge of the first projected image 20 projected onto the projection surface 10. Similarly, the start position at which blending processing begins is specified based on the distance from the left edge of the second projected image 30 projected onto the projection surface 10.

[0075] The blending range setting 675 is a setting field for setting the range of edge blending. Similarly, assume that the first projected image 20 is displayed on the left side of the projection surface 10, and the second projected image 30 is displayed on the right side of the projection surface 10. The blending range setting 675 sets the range in which the blending process is performed based on the distance from the right edge of the first projected image 20 projected onto the projection surface 10. Similarly, the range in which the blending process is performed is set based on the distance from the left edge of the second projected image 30 projected onto the projection surface 10.

[0076] When the user has finished setting the blend start position 673 and the blend range 675, he or she presses the enter button provided on the remote controller 5.

[0077] 8, moves the operation frame 67 to the third adjustment step 55 by operating the remote control 5, and presses the enter button provided on the remote control 5. The second control unit 270A executes the third adjustment step 55 upon receiving the operation of pressing the enter button.

[0078] The third adjustment process 55 is a process that is automatically executed by the first projector 200A or the second projector 200B. For example, the second control unit 270A of the first projector 200A may instruct the second projector 200B to execute tiling, and the second projector 200B may execute the tiling process and blending process. In this case, the second control unit 270B of the second projector 200B captures an image of the projection surface 10 with the camera 250B, changes the display position and size of the second projected image 30 based on the captured image, and controls the size and display position of the second projected image 30 so that the first projected image 20 and the second projected image 30 partially overlap at their edges. The blending process is a process that makes the seam between the first projected image 20 and the second projected image 30 less noticeable. In blending, a dimming process is performed on the overlapping areas where a plurality of images partially overlap on the projection surface 10, thereby making the difference in illuminance between the overlapping areas and non-overlapping areas less noticeable.

[0079] 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the operation of the second control unit 270A. The operation of the second control unit 270A will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the user places the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B at positions where the first projected image 20 and the second projected image 30 can be projected onto the projection surface 10.

[0080] Next, the user operates the operation unit 223A of the first projector 200A and the operation unit 223B of the second projector 200B, respectively, to display an OSD image on the projection surface 10, and sets the IP addresses of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B, respectively.

[0081] Next, the user connects the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B via the data communication line 3. The second control unit 270A determines whether or not the data communication line 3 is connected to the second communication I / F 210A (step S1). The second control unit 270A determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the second communication I / F 210A, and determines whether or not the data communication line 3 is connected to the second communication I / F 210A. When the connection detection circuit 215A detects that the data communication line 3 is connected to the connector, the second communication I / F 210A outputs a detection signal to the second control unit 270A.

[0082] If there is no detection signal input from the second communication I / F 210A, the second control unit 270A determines that the data communication line 3 is not connected to the second communication I / F 210A (step S1 / NO). In this case, the second control unit 270A waits until the data communication line 3 is connected to the second communication I / F 210A.

[0083] When the second control unit 270A receives a detection signal from the second communication I / F 210A and determines that the data communication line 3 is connected to the second communication I / F 210A (step S1 / YES), it displays the selected image 40 on the projection surface 10 (step S2).

[0084] Next, the second control unit 270A determines whether or not an operation of the remote control 5 has been accepted (step S3). If an operation of the remote control 5 has not been accepted (step S3 / NO), the second control unit 270A waits until an operation of the remote control 5 is accepted.

[0085] When the second control unit 270A receives an operation on the remote control 5 (step S3 / YES), it determines (step S4) whether the received operation is an operation to change the selection of the radio button 41 or 43. If the received operation is an operation to change the selection of the radio button 41 or 43 (step S4 / YES), the second control unit 270A changes the radio button 41 or 43 selected by this operation to a selected state (step S5).

[0086] If the accepted operation is not an operation to change the selection of the radio button 41 or 43 (step S4 / NO), the second control unit 270A determines whether or not the accepted operation is an operation of the decision button provided on the remote control 5 (step S6). If the accepted operation is not an operation of the decision button (step S6 / NO), the second control unit 270A executes processing corresponding to the accepted operation (step S7), and returns to the judgment of step S3.

[0087] If the received operation is an operation of the decision button (step S6 / YES), the second control unit 270A displays the stacking guide image 50 or tiling guide image 60 corresponding to the selected radio button 41 or 43 on the projection surface 10 (step S8).

[0088] The operation of the second control unit 270A will be further described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Next, the second control unit 270A determines whether the first adjustment process 51 or 61 has been selected (step S9). If the first adjustment process 51 or 61 has not been selected (step S9 / NO), the second control unit 270A waits until the first adjustment process 51 or 61 is selected.

[0089] When the first adjustment process 51 or 61 is selected (step S9 / YES), the second control unit 270A displays a first instruction image 511 or 611 showing details of the first adjustment process 51 or 61 on the projection surface 10 (step S10). Here, the first instruction images 511A and 511B are collectively referred to as first instruction image 511, and the first instruction images 611A, 611B, and 611C are collectively referred to as first instruction image 611.

[0090] Next, the second control unit 270A determines whether or not the operation of the enter button has been accepted (step S11). If the operation of the enter button has not been accepted (step S11 / NO), the second control unit 270A waits until the operation of the enter button is accepted.

[0091] When the second control unit 270A receives an operation of the enter button (step S11 / YES), it displays the stacking guide image 50 or the tiling guide image 60 on the projection surface 10 again (step S12). After that, the second control unit 270A determines whether the second adjustment process 53 or 63 has been selected (step S13). If the second adjustment process 53 or 63 has not been selected (step S13 / NO), the second control unit 270A waits until the second adjustment process 53 or 63 is selected.

[0092] When the second adjustment step 53 or 63 is selected (step S13 / YES), the second control unit 270A displays the second instruction image 531 or 631 showing the details of the second adjustment step 53 or 63 (step S14). Here, the second instruction images 631A, 631B, and 631C are collectively referred to as the second instruction image 631.

[0093] Next, the second control unit 270A determines whether or not the operation of the enter button has been accepted (step S15). If the operation of the enter button has not been accepted (step S15 / NO), the second control unit 270A waits until the operation of the enter button is accepted.

[0094] When the second control unit 270A receives an operation of the enter button (step S15 / YES), it displays the stacking guide image 50 or the tiling guide image 60 on the projection surface 10 (step S16). After that, the second control unit 270A determines whether the third adjustment process 55 or 65 has been selected (step S17). If the third adjustment process 55 or 65 has not been selected (step S17 / NO), the second control unit 270A waits until the third adjustment process 55 or 65 is selected.

[0095] When third adjustment step 55 or 65 is selected, second control unit 270A automatically executes the third adjustment step (step S18) and ends the predetermined process. For example, when stacking projection mode is selected, second projector 200B captures an image of projection surface 10 using camera 250B, and changes the display position and size of second projection image 30 based on the captured image to superimpose second projection image 30 on first projection image 20. When tiling projection mode is selected, first projector 200A or second projector 200B executes tiling processing and blending processing.

[0096] [5. Variation 1] In the above-described embodiment, the IP addresses of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are set in advance, and then the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are connected via the data communication line 3.

[0097] In this modified example, the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are connected via the data communication line 3 in a state in which IP addresses have not been set in the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B. Then, when the second control unit 270A detects the connection between the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B based on a detection signal from the second communication I / F 210A, it projects the selected image 40 onto the projection surface 10 and accepts the selection of the stacking projection mode or the tiling projection mode.

[0098] For example, assume that the selection of stacking projection mode is accepted in the selection image 40. In this modification 1, the second control unit 270A displays a setting field for accepting the setting of the IP addresses of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B in any one of the stacking guide image 50, the first instruction image 511, and the second instruction image 531 that are projected onto the projection surface 10. The IP addresses correspond to an example of a communication address.

[0099] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the first instruction image 511. In FIG. 20 shows an example in which a first input field 71, a second input field 73, and an operation frame 75 are displayed on a first instruction image 511. The first input field 71 is a field for inputting the IP address of the first projector 200A. The second input field 73 is a field for inputting the IP address of the second projector 200B.

[0100] When the first instruction image 511 is displayed on the projection surface 10, the user first operates the remote control 5 to move the operation frame 75 to the first input field 71 or the second input field 73. Here, the explanation will be given assuming that the first input field 71 is selected. Next, the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5 and operates the remote control 5 to input the IP address of the first projector 200A into the first input field 71. The second control unit 270A causes the numbers of the IP address received by operating the remote control 5 to be displayed in the first input field 71. When the user has finished inputting the IP address into the first input field 71, he or she presses the enter button on the remote control 5.

[0101] When the second control unit 270A receives the operation of the enter button, it changes the display position of the operation frame 75 from the first input field 71 to the second input field 73. When the user presses the enter button on the remote control 5 and the display position of the operation frame 75 changes from the first input field 71 to the second input field 73, the user inputs the IP address of the second projector 200B into the second input field 73. The second control unit 270A displays the numbers of the IP address received by operating the remote control 5 in the second input field 73. When the user has finished inputting the IP address into the first input field 71, he or she presses the enter button on the remote control 5. When the enter button on the remote control 5 is pressed, the second control unit 270A determines that the first adjustment step is completed, and changes the display on the projection surface 10 from the first instruction image 511 to the stacking guide image 50.

[0102] Only the first input field 71 may be displayed on the first instruction image 511, and only the second input field 73 may be displayed on the second instruction image 531. In other words, the arrangement of the first input field 71 and the second input field 73 on the stacking guide image 50 can be changed as appropriate. This modification can also be applied to the tiling guide image 60.

[0103] [6. Variation 2] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B are connected by wire has been described, but the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B may be connected wirelessly.

[0104] For example, it is assumed that the second communication I / F 210A is an interface for wireless communication. The second control unit 270A may cause a selection image 40 to be displayed on the projection surface 10 when the second communication I / F 210A detects that a USB type communication device, a so-called USB dongle, is connected.

[0105] Furthermore, when the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B perform wireless communication using Bluetooth, the second control unit 270A may display the selection image 40 on the projection surface 10 when the second projector 200B is paired. Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

[0106] [7. Variation 3] In the above-described embodiment, the first projector 200A or the second projector 200B projects the selected image 40, but the selected image 40 does not have to be projected. For example, if the user knows in advance whether the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B will be used for tiling projection or stacking projection, there is no need to project the selected image 40. In this case, steps S2 to S7 in FIG. 18 may be omitted.

[0107] [8. Variation 4] In the above-described embodiment, various settings were made to the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B mainly by operating the remote control 5, but various settings may also be made to the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B by operating the information processing device 100.

[0108] [9. Variation 5] In the above-described embodiment, the stacking guide image 50, the first instruction image 511, the second instruction image 531, etc. are displayed sequentially on the projection surface 10, but at least two of these may be displayed simultaneously on the projection surface 10. For example, the stacking guide image 50 and the first instruction image 511 may be displayed simultaneously on the projection surface 10, and the first instruction image 511 may be in an inactive state until the first adjustment step 51 is selected by the user. In order to indicate that the instruction image 511 is in an inactive state, the color of the instruction image 511 may be a different color from the normal state, such as gray. The same applies to the tiling guide image 60, the first instruction image 611, the second instruction image 631, etc.

[0109] [10. Variation 6] In the above-described embodiment, the selected image 40, the stacking guide image 50, and the tiling guide image 60 are projected sequentially, but at least two of them may be projected simultaneously. When the selected image 40, the stacking guide image 50, and the tiling guide image 60 are projected simultaneously, the stacking guide image 50 and the tiling guide image 60 may be projected while all of the images remain inactive until either the radio button 41 or the radio button 43 is selected in the selected image 40. Then, for example, when the radio button 41 is selected in the selected image 40, only the stacking guide image 50 may be activated. Furthermore, when the selected image 40 is not projected, as in Modification 3, only the stacking guide image 50 and the tiling guide image 60 may be projected simultaneously. In this case, the stacking guide image 50 and the tiling guide image 60 themselves may function as user interface images for specifying either the stacking mode or the tiling mode.

[0110] The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the functional units of the first projector 200A shown in FIG. 3 indicate functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is of course possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, and some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other units of the first projector 200A and the second projector 200B may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0111] 18 and 19 are divided into processing units according to the main processing contents in order to make the processing of first projector 200A easier to understand. The present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19. Furthermore, the processing of first projector 200A can be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents, or can be divided so that one processing unit includes more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the example shown in the drawings.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the first projector 200A operates as a master device, and the second control unit 270A of the first projector 200A transmits to the second projector 200B an instruction based on an operation signal received from the remote control 5. As an alternative to this, the second projector 200B may be configured to operate as a master device.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 245 included in the light modulation device 243 may be a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a reflective liquid crystal panel. The light modulation device 243 may be configured to include a digital mirror device, or may be configured to combine a digital mirror device with a color wheel. The light modulation device 243 may also employ a configuration capable of modulating light emitted from a light source, other than a liquid crystal panel and a DMD.

[0114] Furthermore, when the projection method is implemented using a computer included in the projector 200, the program executed by the computer may be configured as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be configured as a transmission medium for transmitting the program executed by the computer. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray Discs, magneto-optical discs, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium may also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device included in a server device. Blu-ray is a registered trademark.

[0115] 7. Summary of the Disclosure A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0116] (Appendix 1) A projection method for a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, the projection method including: determining, by one or more processors provided in the projector, whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector; and, when the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, projecting, by the projector, a guide image that guides the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projection image with the other projected image.

[0117] As a result, when the projector is connected to another projector so as to be able to communicate with it, a guide image is displayed that guides the user through the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projected image with the other projected image. Therefore, when the projector is connected to another projector so as to be able to communicate with it, the guide image is displayed, eliminating the need to go through the trouble of displaying the guide image. Furthermore, the user can perform the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projected image with the other projected image by performing the operation while visually checking the display of the guide image. This improves user convenience.

[0118] (Appendix 2) the guide images include a first guide image that allows a user to select either a stacking image in which the projected image and the other projected image overlap, or a tiling image in which a portion of the projected image overlaps with the other projected image, a second guide image that shows a method for adjusting the stacking image, and a third guide image that shows a method for adjusting the tiling image, and the projection method described in Appendix 1 further includes projecting the first guide image by the projector, accepting a selection operation by the projector to select the stacking image or the stacking image, projecting the second guide image by the projector when the stacking image is selected by the selection operation, and projecting the third guide image by the projector when the tiling image is selected by the selection operation.

[0119] As a result, when a stacking image is selected using the first guide image, a second guide image showing how to adjust the stacking image is displayed, and when a tiling image is selected using the first guide image, a third guide image showing how to adjust the tiling image is displayed. This allows the user to easily perform operations to display stacking images and tiling images while visually checking the guide images. This improves user convenience. Note that the guide image including the first guide image, second guide image, and third guide image refers to any one of the following: an embodiment in which all of these are projected simultaneously by the projector; an embodiment in which at least two of these are projected simultaneously by the projector; or an embodiment in which these are projected sequentially by the projector.

[0120] (Appendix 3) The projection method described in Appendix 2, wherein the first guide image includes a first option image for selecting the stacking image and a second option image for selecting the tiling image, and accepting the selection operation includes accepting an operation to select the first option image or the second option image by the projector.

[0121] This makes it possible to display a first guide image in which a first option image and a second option image are displayed. By selecting the first option image or the second option image, the user can select whether to display a stacking image or a tiling image on the projector and other projectors. This improves user convenience.

[0122] (Appendix 4) The projection method described in Appendix 2, wherein the second guide image includes a first instruction image that instructs how to adjust at least one of the position and shape of the projected image, and a second instruction image that instructs how to adjust at least one of the position and shape of the other projected image, and the third guide image includes a third instruction image that instructs how to adjust at least one of the position and shape of the projected image, and a fourth instruction image that instructs how to adjust at least one of the position and shape of the other projected image.

[0123] As a result, when a stacking image is selected, a second guide image is displayed that displays at least a method for adjusting at least one of the position and shape of the projected image and a method for adjusting at least one of the positions and shapes of at least another projected image. Also, when a tiling image is selected, a third guide image is displayed that displays at least a method for adjusting at least one of the position and shape of the projected image and a method for adjusting at least one of the positions and shapes of at least another projected image. Therefore, the user can adjust at least one of the positions and shapes of the projected image and the other projected images while viewing the second guide image. Similarly, the user can adjust at least one of the positions and shapes of the projected image and the other projected images while viewing the third guide image. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0124] (Appendix 5) The projection method described in Appendix 4, wherein the projector and the other projectors operate based on an operation signal transmitted from an operation device provided separately from the projector and the other projectors, and the first instruction image and the third instruction image are projected by the projector as identification images indicating that the target of operation by the operation device is a projector, and the second instruction image and the fourth instruction image are projected by the projector as identification images indicating that the target of operation by the operation device is another projector.

[0125] As a result, the projector projects, in the first and third instruction images, an identification image indicating that the target of operation by the operation device is the projector. Also, the projector projects, in the second and fourth instruction images, an identification image indicating that the target of operation by the operation device is another projector. Therefore, when operating the projector or another projector with the operation device, the user can recognize whether the target of operation by the operation device is the projector or another projector. Therefore, convenience for the user can be improved.

[0126] (Appendix 6) The projection method described in Appendix 2 or 4, wherein the second guide image and the third guide image include an indication requesting input of communication addresses of the projector and the other projector, and the communication addresses are displayed by the projector on the second guide image and the third guide image in accordance with an operation accepted by the projector.

[0127] As a result, a message requesting input of the communication addresses between the projector and the other projectors is displayed on the second guide image and the third guide image, and the communication addresses are displayed on the second guide image and the third guide image according to the operation received by the projector. This eliminates the need to perform an operation to separately display a screen for setting the communication addresses of the projector and the other projectors. This reduces the effort required for the user to operate the projector, and improves user convenience.

[0128] (Appendix 7) A projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, the projector comprising: a communication interface that communicates with the other projector; a projection unit that projects the projection image; and one or more processors that determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, wherein the one or more processors determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, and when the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, the projector projects a guide image by the projection unit that guides an operation to superimpose at least a portion of the projection image with the other projected image.

[0129] According to this configuration, when the projector is connected to another projector so as to be able to communicate with it, a guide image is displayed that guides the user through an operation to superimpose at least a portion of the projected image with the other projected image. Therefore, when the projector is connected to another projector so as to be able to communicate with it, the guide image is displayed, eliminating the need to bother displaying the guide image. Furthermore, the user can perform an operation to superimpose at least a portion of the projected image with the other projected image by performing the operation while visually checking the display of the guide image. This improves user convenience.

[0130] (Appendix 8) A program to be executed by one or more processors mounted on a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, the program causing the one or more processors to determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, and, when the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector, to project a guide image that guides the operation of superimposing at least a portion of the projection image with the other projected image.

[0131] According to this, when a projector is connected to another projector so as to be able to communicate with it, a guide image is displayed that guides the user through an operation to superimpose at least a portion of the projected image with the other projected image. Therefore, when a projector is connected to another projector so as to be able to communicate with it, the guide image is displayed, which eliminates the need to go to the trouble of displaying the guide image. Furthermore, the user can perform an operation to superimpose at least a portion of the projected image with the other projected image by performing the operation while visually checking the display of the guide image. This improves user convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1...Projection system, 3...Data communication line, 5...Remote control, 10...Projection surface, 20...First projected image, 30...Second projected image, 31...Radio button, 40...Selection image, 41...Radio button, 43...Radio button, 50...Stacking guide image, 51, 61...First adjustment step, 53, 63...Second adjustment step, 55, 55...Third adjustment step, 57, 67, 75...Operation frame, 59, 69...Device display image, 60...Timing Ring guide image, 71...first input field, 73...second input field, 100...information processing device, 110...first communication I / F, 120...operation unit, 150...first control unit, 151...first storage unit, 153...control program, 155...first processor, 200...projector, 200A...first projector, 200B...second projector, 210A...second communication I / F, 210B...second communication I / F, 215A... Connection detection circuit, 221A...light receiving unit, 223A...operation unit, 230A...image processing unit, 235A...frame memory, 240A...projection unit, 241A...light source, 243A...light modulation device, 245A...liquid crystal panel, 247A...optical unit, 250A, 250B...camera, 270A...second control unit, 270B...second control unit, 280A...second memory unit, 285A...control program, 290A...second processor, 511...first instruction image, 531...second instruction image, 611...first instruction image, 631...second instruction image, 640...first setting image, 641...vertical number of units setting field, 643...horizontal number of units setting field, 645...operation frame, 650...second setting image, 651...target setting field, 653...vertical order setting field, 655...horizontal order setting field, 657...operation frame, 660...screen configuration image, 670...third setting screen, 671...target setting field, 677...operation frame.

Claims

1. A projection method for a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, comprising: determining whether the projector is communicably connected to the other projector by one or more processors included in the projector; When the projector is connected to the other projector so as to be able to communicate with the other projector, a guide image is projected by the projector to guide an operation of superimposing at least a part of the projected image and the other projected image; A projection method including:

2. The guide image is a first guide image for allowing a user to select either a stacking image in which the projected image and the other projected image overlap, or a tiling image in which a part of the projected image overlaps with the other projected image; a second guide image showing a method for adjusting the stacking image; a third guide image showing a method for adjusting the tiling image; projecting the first guide image by the projector; receiving the stacking image or a selection operation for selecting the stacking image by the projector; projecting the second guide image by the projector when the stacking image is selected by the selection operation; projecting the third guide image by the projector when the tiling image is selected by the selection operation; The projection method of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The first guide image is a first option image for selecting the stacking image; a second option image for selecting the tiling image; Accepting the selection operation receiving, by the projector, an operation to select the first option image or the second option image; The projection method according to claim 2 .

4. The second guide image is a first instruction image instructing how to adjust at least one of the position and shape of the projected image; a second instruction image instructing how to adjust at least one of the position and the shape of the other projected image; Including, The third guide image is a third instruction image instructing how to adjust at least one of the position and the shape of the projected image; a fourth instruction image instructing how to adjust at least one of the position and the shape of the other projected image; The projection method of claim 2 , comprising:

5. the projector and the other projector operate based on an operation signal transmitted from an operation device provided separately from the projector and the other projector; an identification image indicating that a target to be operated by the operation device is a projector is projected by the projector on the first instruction image and the third instruction image; the identification image indicating that the object to be operated by the operation device is another projector is projected by the projector on the second instruction image and the fourth instruction image; The projection method according to claim 4 .

6. The second guide image and the third guide image are a display requesting input of communication addresses of the projector and the other projector; displaying the communication address on the second guide image and the third guide image by the projector in accordance with an operation received by the projector; 5. The projection method according to claim 2 or 4.

7. A projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, a communication interface for communicating with the other projector; a projection unit that projects the projection image; one or more processors that determine whether the projector is communicatively connected to the other projector; the one or more processors: determining whether the projector is connected to the other projector so as to be able to communicate with the projector, and when the projector is connected to the other projector so as to be able to communicate with the projector, projecting a guide image by the projection unit that guides an operation of superimposing at least a part of the projected image and the other projected image; projector.

8. A program executed by one or more processors installed in a projector that projects a projection image that at least partially overlaps with another projection image projected by another projector, the one or more processors; determining whether the projector is communicably connected to the other projector; When the projector is connected to the other projector so as to be able to communicate with the other projector, causing the projector to project a guide image that guides an operation of superimposing at least a part of the projected image and the other projected image; A program that executes the following.

Images